September 2024 Wrap Up – from the New 50-50 Club to a No-Hitter to a New Standard for “Utility” Players – and Much More

It’s October 1, and that means it’s time for Baseball Roundtable September Wrap up – a look at the stats and stories that caught The Roundtable’s attention in September, as well as the Player and Pitcher of the Month, Trot Index and more.  Just a few of this month’s highlights that you will find in this post:

• a “called shot” Grand Slam;
• a combined no-hitter and a pair of no-no’s lost in the ninth;
• 15 doses of leadoff mayhem;
• the new 50-50 Club;
• 20-20 before 21;
• an immaculate inning;
• a game-ending triple killing;
• a new standard for defining a “utility” player;
• and much more.

Read on for the stories and stats.

SIDE NOTE: Due to the need to get this out today, Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday is moved to Thursday this week.  So, let’s get on with it.

Baseball Roundtable Players and Pitchers of the Month – September 2024

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Player of the Month – Shohei Ohtani, DH, Dodgers

Okay, how can you not go with the player (even if he does not play in the field) who led the major leagues (looking at players with at least 50 at September at bats for percentage figures) in:

• Home runs – 10 (tied):
• Average – .393;
• RBI – 32;
• Runs scored (27);
• Hits (42);
• Stolen bases (16 – and without one caught stealing);
• Total bases (79); and
• Slugging percentage – .786.

In addition, Ohtani became MLB’s first 50-50 player (homers/stolen bases). His September also included a six-for-six game; a three-homer game; and a ten-RBI game – all in the same contest (September 19). And, he had thirteen multi-hit games in 26 games played.  This was a no-brainer.  (Lots more on Ohtani in the highlights sections).

Honorable Mentions:  Another DH here – the Phillies’ unconventional leadoff hitter Kyle Schwarber went .293-10-22, tying Ohtani for the MLB lead in September roundtrippers and finishing tied for second in September RBI.  Four of Schwarber’s ten September homers were leadoff home runs and he ended the season with single-season record of 15 leadoff dingers. (Schwarber is a career .230hitter, so that .293 September average was a nice bonus.) Now, I better get someone who plays in the field in here.  So, let’s give a nod to Diamondbacks’ 3B Eugenio Suarez, with a .347-9-18 September line, with 24 runs scored – third in the NL in homers, ninth in RBI; second in hits (35); second in runs scored.

Pitcher of the Month – Nick Martinez, RHP, Reds

This was a very close call between Nick Martinez and the Cub’s Shota Imanaga – a pair of 30-somethings who pitched to weak contact.  Martinez got the edge based on innings pitched and earned run average.  Martinez went 4-1 for the month (five starts) with a 0.83 earned run average, third in the NL among pitchers with at least 20 September innings.  His four wins tied for the NL lead and he should have had a fifth victory – his one loss for the month came in his final start (September 27), when he gave up just one run over eight innings in a complete-game loss to the Cubs.

Martinez’ s 32 2/3 innings were fifth-most in the NL and, and his 0.67 WHIP was second-lowest (among pitchers with at least 20 September innings). His .161 average against was third. He also fanned 30 batters, while walking just four. In his five September starts Martinez gave up just three earned runs, Martinez finished the season at 10-7, 3.10 in 42 games (16 starts).

Honorable Mentions: The Cubs Shota Imanaga went 4-0, 1.67 in four September starts, fanning 26 in 27 innings and walking just five.  He put up a stellar 0.85 WHIP and .184 average against. I also have to give a shout out to the Mets’ Jose Quintana (3-1, 0.72 in four starts, with a 0.84 WHIP and .176 average against); the Pirates’ Paul Skenes (3-1, 0.75 in five starts – with 34 strikeouts and just six walks in 24 innings.  (There were a lot of solid pitchers’ performances during the month like  Jameson Taillon, Cubs, 3-0, 0.84; Blake Snell 3-0, 1.00 with 31 strikeouts in 18 innings; and I could go on.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Player of the Month – Julio Rodriguez, CF, Mariners

Mariners’ 23-year-old CF Julio Rodriguez had a great month, hitting .328 7-22, with six steals. He led the AL in September base hits (39) and placed second (tied) in the AL in homers; first in RBI and second (24) in runs scored.  Rodriguez collected at least one hit in 21 of 26 games played and had nine September multi-hit games. In the course of the month, he raised his 2024 average from .259 to .273.

Honorable Mentions: Rangers’ 22-year-old rookie LF Wyatt Langford led the AL in September home runs with eight – to along with a .300 average, a league-topping 25 September runs and 20 RBI (fifth- tied – in the AL). We’ll also give a nod to the A’s LF Brent Rooker, who put together a .320-6-21 September.  His 33 hits were third in the AL and his 21 RBI tied for second.

Pitcher of the Month – Ronel Blanco, RHP, Astros

Ronel Blanco went 4-0, 0.75 (five appearances/four starts) in September – tying for the AL lead in wins.  His 0.75 ERA was the lowest among AL pitcher with at least 20 September innings. Not only did he win each of his four starts, in his one relief appearance, he fanned five batters (one hit-one walk) in two innings.

Honorable Mentions: I’ve got to put the Royals’ lefty reliever Daniel Lynch in here. He went 2-0 in nine relief appearances and, in 17 1/3 innings, gave up just eight hits and zero earned runs (yep, 0.00 ERA), while walking five and fanning 22. (All this as the Royals were fighting for a playoff spot.)  Let’s also recognize a pitcher used in a non-traditional role.  Tigers’ rookie Brian Hurter pitched well under the pressure of the playoff run – serving normally as the second pitcher in those committee games, where the Tigers used an “opener.”  Hurter went 4-0, 1.59 in five appearances.  In those games, he came in in the second inning twice and the first, third and fourth innings once each.  Also, these were not instances where he had the advantage of coming in with a big lead to pick up a cheap win.  Three times, the game was tied, twice the Tigers were ahead by one.  He pitched a total of 22 2/3 innings (just over four innings per appearance), giving up four runs, walking just three and fanning 17.

SURPRISE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Victor Robles, CF, Mariners

Victor Robles came into the 2024 with a .238 average over seven MLB seasons (516 games). He started the year with the Nationals and was hitting .120 (14 games) when he was released June 1.  The Mariners signed him on June 4. Then the fun began. Robles hit .316 in 15 games for Seattle in June and .375 in 18 July contests.  He slid to .244 in 22 August games, but came back with surprising .389 (28-for-72) in 22 September games. Although he didn’t show much power (ten doubles, no homers). He scored 21 runs, drove in 11 and stole 13 bases in 14 attempts.  A pleasant surprise for Seattle.

Honorable Mention: Rhett Lowder, RHP, Reds

Rhett Lowder made MLB debut for the Reds in the second game of a doubleheader against the Brewers on August 30.  It was a hard luck day for the 22-year-old rookie, who started the game and gave up just one run in four innings. He was relieved in the fifth down 1-0 – and took the loss in a game the Reds eventually dropped to the Brew Crew by a 14-0 score.

September went better for the rookie – a 2-1 record and a 1.01 earned run average in five starts.    Not a total surprise, Lowder was a first-round pick out of Wake Forest University in the 2023 MLB draft. He was 30-5, 3.29 in three seasons at Wake. Still, it is surprising that he rose so quickly to the majors – moving through High-A, Double-A and Triple-A (a combined 6-4, 3.64) before his callup. (A little extra note: In 2023 at Wake Forest, Lowder went 15-0, 1.87 in 22 starts, fanning 113 in 108 2/3 innings.)  So, he was “on the radar,” but the Roundtable was surprised to see him make his MLB mark so quickly.

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THE TROT INDEX … A REGULAR BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE FEATURE

In 2024,  34.9% of the MLB season’s 182449  plate appearances ended in a trot (back to the dugout, around the bases, to first base). We’re talking about strikeouts, home runs, walks, hit by pitch and catcher’s interference – all outcomes that are, basically, devoid of action on the base paths or in the field. Here’s the breakout: strikeouts (22.6%); walks (8.2%); home runs (3.0%); HBP (1.1%); catcher’s interference (less than 1%). Strikeouts, by the way, outnumbered base hits 41,197 to 39,823. 

The 34.9% figure is down slightly from  from 35.7% for 2023. I also looked into full-year Trot Index figures for the years I have been a fan: 30.3% in 2010; 29.9% in 2000; 31.7% in 1990; 23.1% in 1980; 27.0% in 1970; 25.1% in 1960; and 22.8% in 1950.

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A Tiger by the Tail

The surprise team of September was the Tigers, who put up September’s highest winning percentage at .680 (17-8) to leapfrog their way into a post-season berth.  They got some excellent mound work from Tarik Skubal, who went 2-0, 1.52 in four starts and closer Jason Foley, who saved nine games in ten opportunities.  In fact, the Tigers did an excellent job of managing their pitching staff. Brant Hurter, whose primary role was to follow the “opener” in ” committee” games, went 4-0 1.59 in five games (22 2/3 innings).  Sean Guenther got in 11 games (14 1/3 innings) and put up a 0.63 earned run average.  This stat may tell the story.  The Tigers had six pitchers who threw 13 or more September innings and put up ERAs under 1.60.  You want some names? In addition to those already mentioned:  Beau Brieske (12 games, 17 innings, 1.06 ERA); Tyler Holton (12 games, 17 innings, 1.06 ERA); Will Vest (11 games, 13 innings, 1.38 ERA) The Bengals’ offense was led by the garden crew: LF Riley Greene (.278-5-18);  CF Kerry Carpenter (.277-4-12); and RF Parker Meadows (.273-4-15). Overall, the Tigers’ held opponents to the third-fewest September runs in the AL, while scoring the sixth-most.

Three From The Central

The Guardians, Tigers and Royals (all in the 2024 post-season mix) all spent the 2023 post-season watching from home. In fact, they were all under.500 – a combined record of 210-276 and a combined 51 games behind the league-leading Twins. What a difference a year makes. 

A Stable of Stable Starters

The Padres at 16-8 (.667) had the best September winning percentage in the NL – and it started with the starters.  The rotation of Michael King, Joe Musgrove, Dylan Cease, Martin Perez and Yu Darvish started 23 of the Padres’ 24 games (each starting either four or five contests) – and put up a combined 10-4, 2.40 record.  And, the pitching was needed.  The Padres scored the  fourth-fewest September runs in the NL. Manny Machado (3B) was the leader on offense (.280-6-22) and 1B Luis Arreaz was a solid table-setter (.340 with 13 runs scored). The team also got nice contributions from RF Fernando Tatis, Jr. (.267-7-13) and CF Jackson Merrill (.309-4-13).

——-Team Statistical Leaders for September 2024 ———-

RUNS SCORED

National League – Dodgers (162); Diamondbacks (147); Phillies (128)

American League – Mariners (134); Yankees (126); Rangers (121)

The fewest runs in September were scored by the Royals (74). In the National League, it was the Nationals at 86.  

AVERAGE

National League – Dodgers (.279); Diamondbacks (.273); Marlins (.263)

American League – Astros (.268); Mariners (.264); Orioles (.246)

The lowest team average for September belonged to the Royals at .203. The lowest in the NL was the Pirates (.219).  

HOME RUNS

National League – Dodgers (46); Diamondbacks (41); Phillies (35); Giants (35)

American League – Mariners (33); Rangers (33); Guardians (31)

The Royals and Reds had the fewest September homers at 15.  The only other team under 20 was the Blue Jays at 16.

TOTAL BASES

National League – Dodgers (437); Diamondbacks (421); Phillies (388)

American League – Mariners (386); Astros (368); Rangers (349)

STOLEN BASES

National League – Brewers (43); Nationals (36); Dodgers (34)

American League – Mariners (29); Yankees (28); Rays (25)

The Twins stole the fewest sacks in September at three (in just four attempts).

WALKS DRAWN

National League –   Dodgers (104); Diamondbacks (99); Cubs (89); Braves (89)

American League – Yankees (116); Mariners (99); Tigers (92)

The Dodgers led MLB in September On-Base Percentage at .358. The Mariners led the AL at .347.

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

National League – Rockies (280); Marlins (254); Giants (253); Brewers (253)

American League – Angels (259); A’s (258); Red Sox (255)

Padres’ batters fanned the fewest times in September (172). The Astros fanned the fewest times in the AL at 182.

Bonus Stats

• The Tigers have the fewest sacrifice bunts on the season at four, the Diamondbacks the most at 34.
• Eight of the top team batting averages in September belonged to NL teams.
• Mariners’ batters were hit by a pitch an MLB-leading 22 times in September. Padres’ and Brewers’ batters suffered the fewest HBP (3).
• Year-to-date, the Mariners have suffered the most hit batsmen (116), the White Sox the fewest (43). The only other team with more than 100 batters HBP was the Twins (101).
• The Tigers led MLB in September triples with seven. The Yankees were the only team with zero triples in September. The White Sox had the fewest triples this season (nine).

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EARNED RUN AVERAGE

National League – Braves (2.72); Padres (2.83); Mets (3.21)

American League – Guardians (2.19); Rays (2.77); Tigers (2.79)

The Diamondbacks had the highest September ERA at 5.34 – also north of 5.00 were the Rockies (5.18).

STRIKEOUTS

National League – Diamondbacks (269); Braves (269); Brewers (264)

American League – Twins (279); Yankees (259); Mariners (245); Rays (245)

The Diamondbacks averaged an MLB-best 10.56 strikeouts per nine innings in September. The Twins averaged an AL-best 10.35.  Fourteen teams average at least nine strikeouts per nine innings for the month.

FEWEST WALKS SURRENDERED

National League – Braves (65); Padres (67); Reds (69)

American League – Tigers (56); Mariners (59); Guardians (66)

The Tigers walked an MLB-lowest 2.20 batters per nine innings in September.  The White Sox walked an MLB-worst 4.31 batters per nine frames.  

SAVES

National League – Pirates (11); Padres (10); Reds (9); Cardinals (9)

American League – Tigers (13); Rays (9); Guardians (8); Astros (8); Rangers (8); Yankees (8)

The Blue Jays blew the most saves in September – converting just one  of nine opportunities.

Walks+ Hits/Innings Pitched (WHIP)

National League – Padres (1.05); Braves (1.06) ; Mets (1.08)

American League:  Mariners (1.01); Tigers (1.03); Guardians (1.05)

Bonus Stats:

• The Angels gave up an MLB-high 39 home runs in September. The Guardians gave up an MLB-low 15 home runs.
• The Padres held opponents to an MLB-low .203 average in September. The Rockies’ staff was touched for an MLB-high .275 average.
• The Mariners’ strikeouts-to-walks ratio for September topped MLB at 4.15. The Rockies had MLB’s worst ratio at 1.89

—–September 2024 Highlights——

Take that Babe Ruth

Brewers’ 20-year-old rookie outfielder Jackson Chourio apparently knows how to call ‘em. On September 2 – according to Chourio’s teammates – in middle of the sixth inning, with the Brews up 5-3 over the Cardinals, Chourio told a handful of teammates that he was going to get an at bat with the bases loaded and was going to hit a Grand Slam.”  In the bottom of the sixth, Chourio did indeed come up with the sacks full and hit a 1-1 pitch from Riley O’Brien to deep LF for a Grand Slam. Chourio finished September  at .263-4-16. for the month and .275-21-79 for the season.  The Grand Slam, by the way, was Chourio’s second of the season, making him one of just eight players in the Modern Era with multiple Grand Slams before turning 21.  (Tony Conigliaro and Alex Rodriguez share the record at three.)

 The Three-Point Line

On September 2, Brewers’ SS Willy Adames gave the Brew Crew a jump start, with a three-run, first-inning homer – part of a Milwaukee 9-3 win over the Cardinals (in Sudsville). It was Adames’ 29th long ball of the year and carried some notable significance. It was Adames’ fifth straight game with a home run – matching the Brewers’ franchise record for consecutive games with a homer, as well as matching the MLB record for consecutive games with a homer by a shortstop. In that five-game span, Adames went .318 (7-for-22), with five homers, 11 RBI and seven runs scored.

That September 2 long ball also was Adames’ “lucky” 13^th three-run homer of the season – tying Ken Griffey, Jr., for the most three-run homers in a season. Adames finished at .223-5-17 for September and .251-32-112 for the season.

Happy Birthday to Me

Mets’ southpaw David Peterson turned 29 on September 3 – and also turned in, perhaps, the best performance of his career. Peterson started on the mound against the Red Sox (in New York) that day and gave up just one run (six hits) over six innings, while fanning a career-high eleven batters.  Peterson, in his sixth MLB seasons finished 2024 at 10-3, 2.90 – logging his best season in terms of wins, ERA and innings pitched (121).

Young Gun(nar) Henderson

On September 4, Orioles 23-year-old SS Gunnar Henderson (in just his third MLB season), set a new Orioles-franchise record for homers by a shortstop in a season. In an 8-1 loss to the White Sox in Baltimore, Henderson plated the Birds’ only run with a first inning home run. It was his 35^th dinger of the season, enabling him to pass Cal Ripken, Jr. and Miguel Tejada into sole possession of the Orioles’ record for homers in a season by a SS. Henderson ended the season with a .281-37-92 stat line. (with 21 steals).  Ripken had his 34-homer Orioles’ season at age 30 in his 11^th MLB campaign (1991), while Tejada reached 34 as an Oriole in 2004 (his age-30 and eighth MLB campaign).

Cubs’ Combined No-No

On September 4, Shota Imanaga took the mound for the Cubs at Wrigley Field going for his 12^th win of the season (versus just three losses).  He was superb, going seven hitless, run-less innings (two walks, seven strikeouts.). Then (as we see all too often), he was pulled after seven innings and 95 pitches).  Relievers Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge pitched the final two frames and completed the no-hitter – the first Cubs’ no-hitter at Wrigley since 1972. Side note: I’m not a big fan of pitch counts. I am a big fan of one-pitcher no-hitters. Imanaga finished the season at 15-3, 2.91 in 29 starts.

Going Deep.  Wanna join me?

On September 9, as the Red Sox trounced the Orioles 12-3 in Fenway, Reds Sox’ RF Rob Refsnyder and DH Tyler O’Neill (the number three-and four hitters) hit back-to- back home runs in the third AND eighth innings.  Not a rare feat – it’s been done two dozen times since 1961, but still worth a highlight mention.

Now, This is an MLB Unicorn

On May 2, 2002, Mariners’ 2B Brett Boone and CF Mike Cameron (batting in the three- and four-holes) hit back-to-back homers twice – not just in the same game, but in the same inning.  It was in a ten-run first frame that was part of a Mariners’ 15-4 win over the White Sox in Chicago. Cameron added an exclamation point to the performance, by hitting an MLB record-tying four home runs in the game.

 Let’s Get This Party Started

On September 10, the Phillies unconventional leadoff hitter Kyle Schwarber started a Phillies’ 9-4 home victory over the Rays with a bang. He opened the game with a 437-foot leadoff homer on a 1-0 pitch from Rays’ starter Taj Bradley.  It was Schwarber’s 35th homer of the season – and his 14^th leadoff long ball of the campaign.  That gave him sole possession of the MLB record for leadoff homers in a season. He had been tied with Alfonso Soriano (2003 Yankees) at 13. Schwarber added a 15^th leadoff homer in a Phillies 6-3 loss to the Mets on September 21.  He finished the 2024 season at .248-38-104.

No-No.  No, You Don’t!

On September 11, Blue Jays’ right-hander Bowden Francis came into the ninth inning of a start against Mets with a 1-0 lead and a no-hitter intact.  He got Mets’ SS Francisco Lindor down 0-2 before Lindor hit a home run to right to break up the no-no. Chad Green was then called on to relieve Francis. (Note: Green and Mets’ reliever Genesis Cabrera  went on to give up five runs in a 6-2 Blue Jays’ loss).  Less than three weeks earlier (August 24), Francis had taken a no-hitter (and a 3-0 lead) against the Angels into the bottom of the ninth and lost the bid.  Angels’ LF Taylor Ward led off the ninth with a homer to left-center to break up that one.  Green came on to retire the next three batters and save the win for Francis. Trivia(l) Tidbit: Francis is just the fourth MLB pitcher to lose two no-hit bids in the ninth inning in one season – joining Ed Walsh (1906): Dave Stieb (1988); and Nolan Ryan (1989).

It’s Not My Birthday, But Let’s Celebrate

On September 12, Brewers’20-year-old rookie LF Jackson Chourio rapped a two-run homer in the eighth inning of the Brew Crew’s 3-0 win over the Giants in San Francisco.  It was Chourio’s 20^th dinger of the season and, with his 20 stolen bases, made Chourio the first player to reach 20-20 in a season before his 21st birthday. (Side note: Mike Trout is the closest to Chourio, logging his 20th home run of a 20-20 season on his 21^st birthday. (What a difference a day makes. Twenty-four little hours.)

Chourio, by the way, signed as an international free agent (out of Venezuela) with the Brewers on January 15, 2021. In three minor-league seasons, he hit .286-47-191, with 68 steals in 272 games.

Notably, there could be much more ahead for the youngster. Adjusting to the major leagues, Chourio was hitting just .210-5-16 as of June 1.  From June 1 forward, he hit .303-16-63.  As they say in gaming “Level Completed.”

A Nice Round Number

On September 13, the Padres’ Dylan Cease picked up his 13^th win of 2024 – going six scoreless innings in a 5-0 win over the Giants in San Francisco.  The highlight? He fanned ten batters in those six frames and his third strikeout of the game (2B Donavan Walton leading off the bottom of the third) was the 1,000^th strikeout of his MLB career.  It came in Cease’s sixth season, 154^th appearance and 801^st inning pitched.   Cease didn’t stay at 1,000 for long.  After fanning Walton, he whiffed RF Mike Yastrzemski and LF Heliot Ramos for a 1-2-3, three-strikeout frame.

Just Try to Get One By Me

The Marlins’ Luis Arreaz (the 2022 AL batting champ with the Twins and 2023 NL batting champ with the Marlins) struck out in his second plate appearance in a September 16 Padres 3-1 win over the Astros.  Why is that a highlight? Well, it was his first strikeout in September.  In fact, it was his first strikeout since his second at bat on August 10.  In between, put together a string of 141 plate appearances without a strikeout. (That streak included 32 strikeout-free games.)  In between the above noted strikeouts, Arreaz hit at a .387 pace.)

For those who like to know such things, Indians’ 3B Joe Sewell recorded the longest streak of MLB games without a strikeout – 115 in 1929. That season, Sewell fanned just four times in 152 games (672 plate appearances, 578 at bats). In 14 MLB seasons Sewell fanned just 114 times in 1,903 games.  Over his last nine seasons, he fanned just 48 times in 1,268 games.

Three-peat

Padres’ 1B Luis Arreaz hit .340 in September to finish the 2024 season at .314 and capture the National League batting title. So, why is that mentioned here?  It was Arreaz’ third straight batting crown.  He won the AL title with the Twins in 2022 (.316). Traded to the Marlins, he won the NL title in 2023 (.354) – which made him the first person to win consecutive battle titles with one in each league.  Then, traded to the Padres, he won this year’s NL title (.314) making him the first person to win three straight batting titles with three different MLB teams. How do you spell unicorn?

30-30 Vision

On September 17, as the Royals feel to the Tigers 3-1 in ten innings (in KC), Royals’ 24-year-old SS Bobby Witt, Jr. became what The Roundtable likes to call an MLB unicorn. In the bottom of the first inning of that game, Witt drew a seven-pitch walk and then, as 1B Salvador Perez fanned on 2-2 pitch from Casey Mize, Witt swiped second base.  It was Witt’s 30^th stolen base of the season. At the time Witt already had 32 home runs in 2024, making him the first SS in MLB history to record multiple 30-30 seasons.  (In 2023, Witt hit .276-30-96, with 49 steals).  Witt hit .278-3-13, with four steals in September and a league-leading .332, with 32 homers, 109 RBI and 31 steals for the season.

Take That, Bro!  Or, Friday the 13^th Ain’t So bad.

It can’t be easy following an older brother like four-time All Star Ronald Acuna, Jr. to the major leagues. But 22-year-old Luisangel Acuna (Ronald is 26-year-old), who found out he was being called up to the Mets late on the night of Friday September 13, didn’t seem phased.  In his first game, he went two-for-four (two singles). On September 17, Acuna the Younger (at SS for the Mets) collected his first MLB extra base hit (a third inning double), his first MLB RBI (plating Harrison Bader with that double) and his first MLB home run (an eighth-inning solo shot), as the Mets trounced the Nationals 10-1. It was part of a three-for-four, three-run, two-RBI Day. After five games in the Show, the younger Acuna was hitting .467 (seven-for-fifteen, with two home runs and four RBI.  He finished September at .308-3-6 in 14 games.

#InBaseballWeCountEverything

This season Padres’ rookie CF Jackson Merrill, Brewers’ rookie OF Jackson Chourio and Orioles’ rookie 2B Jackson Holliday hit 24, 21 and 5 home runs, respectively. Thanks to Anthony Castrovince (MLB.com) for relaying that there had previously been only one MLB homer by a player with the first name Jackson (Rockies’ rookie C Jackson Williams, 2014).

 More #InBaseballWeCountEverything

This season, the A’s rookie closer (righty) Mason Miller blazed his way to saves with a red-hot fastball. In the ninth inning of a September 17 A’s 4-3 win over the Cubs (in Chicago), Cubbies’ veteran LF and leadoff hitter Ian Happ turned one of Miller’s heaters around – hitting a home run off the video board in left field off a 103.2 mph fastball (on a 1-2 pitch). It was the fastest pitch hit for a home run since the pitch-tracking era began in 2008.  Miller finished 2-2, 2.49 with 28 saves on the season. Happ finished the season at .243-25-86. (The 25 home runs and 86 RBI were career highs for Happ).

An Immaculate Inning Makes for a Good Outing

On September 18, Rays’ 27-year-old righthander Ryan Pepiot threw 2024’s second Immaculate Inning (three up, three down, three strikeouts on nine pitches). It came in the fifth inning of the Rays’ 2-1 loss to the Red Sox (in Tampa). The whiff victims were Red Sox’ C Connor Wong, RF Wilyer Abreu and 1B Tristan Casas (the number-five, six and seven hitters in the lineup). The Rays trailed 1-0 at the time, and they were Pepiot’s eighth, ninth and tenth strikeouts (in five innings). Pepiot got a no-decision in the game, going six innings and giving up one run on two hits, while walking none and fanning 12. Pepiot finished 2024 with an 8-6, 3.64 record and 131 strikeouts in 121 innings.

For those who like to know such things, 2024’s previous Immaculate Inning was twirled by White Sox’ reliever Michael Kopech on July 10, when he came on in the bottom of ninth to save a 3-1 win versus the Twins.  His victims were DH Brooks Lee, RF Matt Wallner and PH Max Kepler.

Shohei Forms an Exclusive Club

On September 18, Shohei Ohtani formed an exclusive MLB Club, becoming the first player with at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season.  It came in a 20-4 Dodgers win over the Marlins – in which Ohtani went six-for-six, with three homers, two doubles, a single, two stolen bases, six RBI and four runs scored. For more on Ohtani’s big day, click here.

Travelin’ Man

On September 20, the Twins Willi Castro started at third base as the Twins faced off against the Red Sox in Boston. In the bottom of the 11^th inning of that contest (won by the Twins 4-2 in 12 frames), Castro moved from 2B to 3B (pinch-hitting moves necessitated the change). So, why is that a highlight?  Well, it was Castro’s 25^th appearance of the season at the hot corner – and made him the first MLB player to appear in at least 25 games at five different positions in a single season. As of September 20, Castro’s appearances looked like this: shortstop (56) games); second base (39); left field (29); center field (29); and third base (25). He ended the season with 56 appearances at SS, 40 at 2B, 34 in LF, 30 in RF, 27 at 3B and two at pitcher.  He appeared at multiple positions in the field in  28 games.

Thou Shalt Steal

On September 20, as the Reds toppled the Pirates 8-3 in Cincinnati, Reds’ 22-year-old SS Elly De La Cruz swiped his 65^th base of 2024 (in 81 attempts). It was also his 100^th steal in two MLB seasons – and gave him 100 swipes in 153 MLB games.  With this came some bragging rights:

• De La Cruz became third MLB player in the Modern Era (post-1900) to steal at least 100 bases in their first two MLB seasons (joining Vince Coleman and Ricky Henderson).
• De La Cruz also reached the combination of at least 100 steals and at least 100 extra base hits in fewer games (251) than any other Modern Era player (48 doubles, 15 triples and 23 home runs).

De La Cruz finished the season at .259-25-76, with 67 steals and 105 runs scored (and 218 strikeouts).

It’s Sho(hei) Time Again

On September 20^th, as the Dodgers topped the Rockies 6-4 in LA, DH Shohei Ohtani notched his 52^nd home run and 52nd stolen base of the season.  Of course, he had already established himself as the first member of the 50/50 club. This performance, however, game him the MLB record for the most times hitting a home run and stealing a base in the same game.  It was Ohtani’s 14^th such contest of the 2024 season, breaking Ricky Henderson’s record (13 – set with the Yankees in 1986). By season’s end, Ohtani had extended the record to 16 games.,

Baseball Fans Do Like Round Numbers

On September 25, Rangers’ 2B and leadoff hitter Marcus Semien started the game off with a ground ball single to center off A’s starter Brady Basso.  It was the 1,500^th hit of Semien’s MLB career and came in his 12th season and 1,498^th career game.

Opening Up a Savings Account

On September 25, Cardinals’ closer Ryan Helsley came on in the bottom of the ninth inning, with the Redbirds up 5-2 (over the Rockies), a runner on first and one out. On his very first pitch, Helsley got Rockies’ RF Sam Hilliard to ground into a pitcher-to shortstop-to first double play. Helsley not only got an assist on the play, the one pitch save was his 48^th save on the season – tying him with Trevor Rosenthal for the most saves in a season by a Redbird. (2015).  Helsley picked up  one more save over the remainder of the season – to finish  7-4, 2.04, with 49 saves for the campaign (and sole possession of the Cardinals’ single-season save rec0rd).

Double Your Pleasure, Triple Your Outs

On September 25, it looked like the Dodgers were about to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.  They came into the bottom of the ninth down 4-1 to the rival Padres. Then, C Will Smith opened the final frame with a groundball single off Padres’ closer Robert Suarez. CF Tommy Edman followed with another groundball single, sending Smith to third base. 2B Enrique Hernandez then drove in Smith with a hard line drive single to center, with Edman stopping at second.

So, no outs, two on, one run in, LA SS Miguel Rojas at bat, the always dangerous DH Shohei Ohtani on deck and the crowd noisily anticipating a come-from-behind win.   Suarez, however, induced Rojas (on an 0-1 pitch) to ground to third baseman Manny Machado, who started a game-saving and game-ending third to second (Jake Cronenworth) to first (Donovan Solano) triple play.   (Just the second triple-killing of the season.)

Save the Last Dance for Me

On September 26, A’s 25-yer-old rookie righty T.J. Ginn made his eighth major-league appearance (sixth start). Going into the game, played in Oakland, Ginn was 0-1, 4.40. His mound opponent was the Rangers’ rookie righthander Kumar Rocker, in just his third MLB start, sporting an 0-1, 2.57 record.  Despite this somewhat less than compelling matchup, a crowd of 46,889 fans showed up at the Oakland Coliseum.  Why? It was the last game final game scheduled at the Coliseum for the departing Oakland A’s. The A’s will play their 2025-27 seasons in Sacramento, before a move to Las Vegas (anticipated for 2028).

Ginn pitched 5 1/3 innings in the A’ 3-2 win – giving up two runs on five hits, with two walks and two strikeouts. Thus, he is now the answer to the trivia question, “What rookie pitcher’s first MLB win was also the last A’s victory at the Oakland Coliseum?” Rocker, by the way, took the loss, giving up three tallies in 4 2/3 innings.  The A’s flame-throwing Mason Miller (another rookie) got the save with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless/hitless relief. There were no homers in the game. So, the final home run hit in the Coliseum belongs to Rangers’ Adolis Garcia, a two-run shot in the second inning (off Brady Basso) of the Rangers’ September 25 5-1 win.

The final A’s home run at the Coliseum came on September 6, 2024 –a two-run shot off the bat of  pinch hitter Seth Brown (part of an A ‘s 7-6, 13-inning win over the Tigers. In their final eight games in the Coliseum, the A’s gave up 11 home runs and hit zero.

For those who like to know such things, the A’s first home game in Oakland was played on April 17, 1968 (attendance: 50,164) – and the winning pitcher was the Orioles’ Dave McNally, who threw a complete-game, two-hitter in a 4-1 Baltimore win.  The first homer in that game came off the bat of the Orioles’ 1B Boog Powell (second inning).  The first A’s homer was launched in the sixth frame by CF Rick Monday. The following day, the A’s won their first home game at the Coliseum – a 4-3, 13-inning win over the O’s. The winning pitcher was Paul Lindblad, who pitched the final two frames.  A’s 2B John Donaldson drove in the winning run with a sacrifice fly, off losing pitcher Gene Brabender.

More Ohtani News

On September 26, Shohei Ohtani had another typical Shohei “day at the park.”  He went three-for-five with a double, two singles, a run scored and an RBI as the Dodgers topped the Padres 7-2 in LA. He also reached another single-season milestone, becoming just the 19^th MLB player to reach 400 total bases in a single season.   Ohtani ended the season with 411 total bases, the 16th-highest total in an MLB season. Number one on the list is Babe Ruth at 457 in 1921.

The Lost Boys

On September 27, the White Sox lost to the Tigers 4-1 in Detroit.  The loss ran their record t0 39-121 (53 games out of first place), giving the ChiSox the record for the most losses in a season in the Modern (post-1900) Era.  The previous Modern Era record was 120 losses, by the 1962 Mets.  (Side note:  The all-time record belongs to the 1899 Cleveland Spiders of the National League, who went 20-134 and finished 84 games out of first place.)

The White Sox do deserve some kudos for putting off the inevitable.  The team reached 120 losses on September 22 – and then ran off three wins in a row (against the Angels) before setting the new record.

The White Sox finished the season at 41-121. By way of explanation.  The were last among all MLB teams in batting average (.221); home runs (133); and runs scored (507). They surrendered the third-most runs (813): had the third-highest team Earned Run Average (4.68); and gave up the fourth-most home runs (201).

Pass that Sombrero

On September 28, Aaron Judge took CF (batting third) in a Yankees home game against the Pirates. It was not the day he was looking for.

• In the first inning, he struck out on a 1-2 pitch from Pirates’ phenom Paul Skenes;
• In the fourth, he fanned on a 2-2 pitch from Mike Burrows;
• In the sixth, he went down swinging on a 3-2 pitch from David Bednar;
• In the eighth he looked at a third strike (on a 1-2 pitch) from Dennis Santana; and
• In the ninth, fanned on a 3-2 pitch from Aroldis Chapman.

It was the third five-strikeout game in Judge’s career, tying him with Javier Baez for the most nine-inning five-strikeout games. Despite the off day, it was still one heck of a season for the Yankee bomber –  .322-58-144.

So Close and Yet So Far

Guardian’ third basemen Jose Ramirez suited up for Cleveland’s final game (September 29) of the regular season hitting .279, with 39 home runs, 188 RBI, 114 runs scored and 41 steals.  Look closely hitting at the number and you’ll see he had a chance to join the prestigious 40-40 (homers/steals) club.  He needed just one dinger in that final game to become just the seventh plyer to notch at least 40 dingers and forty swipes in a season.,  By the way, he also had 39 doubles, which gave him a chance to join the 40-40-40 club, the only member of which is Alfonso Soriano (2006).  Alas, it was not meant to be.  The game was cancelled due to weather and field conditions.

–INDIVIDUAL STAT LEADERS FOR SEPTEMBER —

BATTING AVERAGE (at least 50 September at bats)

American League: Victor Robles, Mariners (.389); Lenyn Sosa, White Sox (.373); Kyle Tucker, Astros (.365)

National League: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (.393); Jose Iglesias, Mets (.371); Brendan Donovan, Cardinals (.360)

The lowest September average among players with at least 50 at bats in the month belonged to the White Sox’ Miguel Vargas at .102 (6-for-59.)

HITS

American League: Julio Rodriguez, Mariners (39); Gleyber Torres, Yankees (34); Brent Rooker, A’s (33)

National League: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (42); Michael Harris, Braves (36); Jose Iglesias, Mets (36)

The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani led all MLBers in September extra-base hits with 19 – eight doubles, one triple and ten home runs.  

HOME RUNS

American League: Wyatt Langford, Rangers (8); six with seven

National League:  Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (10); Kyle Schwarber, Phillies (10); Eugenio Suarez, Diamondbacks (9)

The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani led all players with at least 50 September at bats in slugging percentage at .766. The Astros’ Yordan Alvarez led the AL at .615.

RUNS BATTED IN

American League: Julio Rodriguez, Mariners (22); Adolis Garcia, Rangers (21); Aaron Judge, Yankees (21); Brent Rooker, A’s (21)

National League: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (32); Manny Machado, Padres (22); Kyle Schwarber, Phillies (22)

RUNS SCORED

American League:  Wyatt Langford, Rangers (25); Julio Rodriguez, Mariners (24); Victor Robles, Mariners (21)

National League: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (27); Eugenio Suarez, Diamondbacks, (24); Danby Swanson, Cubs (24)

DOUBLES

American League: Victor Robles, Mariners (10); Yainer Diaz, Astros (8); Jose Ramirez, Guardians (8), Connor Wong, Red Sox (80))

National League: Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals (10); Bryce Harper, Phillies (9); Jackson Merrill, Padres (9); Jorge Soler, Braves (9)

TRIPLES

American League:  Christopher Morel, Rays (2); Jacob Wilson, A’s (2); many with one

National League: Xavier Edwards, Marlins (3); 12 with two

STOLEN BASES

American League: Victor Robles, Mariners (13), Jazz Chisholm, Jr., Yankees (12); Josh Lowe, Rays (8)

National League: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (16); Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks (13); Brice Turang, Brewers (11); Dylan Crews, Nationals (11)

The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani stole the most September bases without getting caught (16).

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

American League:  Luis Robert, Jr., White Sox (38); Taylor Ward, Angels (34); Ben Rice, Yankees (30)

National League: James Wood, Nationals (37); Brandon Nimmo, Mets (34); five with 33

WALKS

American League:  Adolis Garcia, Rangers (35); Zack Gelof, A’s (34); Josh Lowe, Rays (34); Brent Rooker, A’s (34)

National League: Elly De La Cruz, Reds (44); Connor Norby, Marlins (39); Mark Vientos, Mets (38)

PITCHING VICTORIES

American League:   Ronel Blanco, Astros (4-0); Matt Festa, Rangers (4-0): Brent Hurter, Tigers (4-0); Geroge Kirby, Mariners (4-1)

National League:  Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks (4-0); Shota Imanaga, Cubs (4-0); Nick Martinez, Reds (4-1)

The Pirates’ Mitch Keller (0-4, 6.66), A’s JP Sears (0-4, 5.28); Royals’ Brady Singer (0-4, 5.67), Red Sox’ Kutter Crawford (1-4, 5.65) and Diamondbacks’ Eduardo Rodriguez (1-4, 5.02) tied for the most September losses.

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (minimum 20 September innings)

American League: Ronel Blanco, Astros (0.75); Cole Ragans, Royals (1.08); Corbin Burnes, Orioles (1.20)

National League: Jose Quintana, Mets (0.72); Paul Skenes, Pirates (0.75);  Nick Martinez, Reds (0.83)

The highest ERA among pitchers with at least 20 September innings or four September starts was 9.26 by the Astros’ Justin Verlander (2-2, 9.26 in five starts, 23 1/3 innings).

STRIKEOUTS

American League: Logan Gilbert, Mariners (48K / 37IP); Bailey Ober, Twins (44K / 36 2/3IP); Reid Detmers, Angels (39K / 24 1/3IP)

National League: Aaron Nola, Phillies (44K / 33IP); Zack Wheeler, Phillies (41K / 32 1/3IP); Brandon Pfaadt, Diamondbacks (40K / 27 IP)

WALKS + HITS/INNINGS PITCHED (at least 20 September innings)

American League: Shane Baz, Rays (0.69); Gerrit Cole, Yankees (0.72); Bowden Francis, Blue Jays (0.72)

National League: Jakob Junis, Reds (0.57); Nick Martinez, Reds (0.67); MacKenzie Gore, Nationals (0.80)

Among pitches with at least 20 innings, the Nationals’ Mackenzie Gore held batters to the lowest September average at .135.

SAVES

American League:  Jason Foley, Tigers (9); Kirby Yates, Rangers (8); Emmanuel Clase, Guardians (7)

National League:  Aroldis Chapman, Pirates (9); Ryan Helsley, Cardinals (7); Robert Suarez, Padres (7)

Kirby Yates of the Rangers saved the most games without a blown save in September  (eight). 

P:rimary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; Baseball-Almanazc.com; MLB.com

 

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